About Us

Shane Ward – Proprietor | General Manager

Although he was raised in Marietta, Georgia, Turtle Bus & Tubing founder Shane Ward is a Florida kid who loves Colorado. He lived in Tampa Bay for two years and attended the University of Florida where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. Ward accepted an internship at the Vail Marriott which he took even though he had never been to the Rocky Mountains and had never skied. Now, 13 years later, he is still here and loving his Vail Valley life.

After working at both the Vail Marriott and the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort for a few years, Ward came up with the idea to start a business revolving around transportation and tubing. His love of the river came from his mother (he credits her for making his company possible) who took him on family vacations on the Nantahala River in North Carolina. Years later, living in the Rockies allowed Ward to continue spending time on the Colorado River. He began tubing more and more often and friends kept calling wanting to join him. As a result of Ward always wanting to plan his own tubing trips, Turtle Bus & Tubing came to fruition in an effort to blend tubing and the transpiration required to make those trips happen.

Ward describes the experience he provides with his two businesses as “transpertainment” that creates memories, opportunities to bond while enjoying unique activities, and ways to enhance vacations. He strongly believes that tubing allows people to experience the beautiful Colorado outdoors in a unique way that is both relaxing and fun. When Ward isn’t working or spending time by the river, he can be found skiing or playing with his pup Layla.

All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.